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Heavenly

The word Polaris can be traced back to the mid 19th century and the Medieval Latin word polus. Meaning ‘heavenly’ it was used in astronomy to describe the polestar, or North Star, the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. It seems somewhat fitting that Italian shipyard Rossinavi chose to christen the third yacht in its Prince Shark series Polaris, as it too stands out above all else, at least in the sub 50-meter superyacht category back on earth.

Based in Viareggio on Italy’s west coast, Rossinavi has been creating distinctive custom built superyachts since it was founded back in 1980. Headed by the young Rossi brothers, the shipyard utilised experienced craftsmen, designers and personalities to create an almost unmatched roster of distinctive and original superyachts. From the classically styled 39-meter Taransay, to the 48-meter Vellmari, which looks like it came of the set of a Luc Besson sci fi, Rossinavi pushed the boundaries in a way only a passionate Italian company could. You made not have heard of these yachts (trust us, they’re worth a Google), as Rossinavi tends not to shout about its yachts, as the shipyard’s creations shine for themselves, with Polaris, the third yacht in the Prince Shark series being a perfect example.

With a series model name as aggressive and thought provoking as Prince Shark, Polariswas always going to be a masculine form. Rossinavi entrusted the interior and exterior to ‘Team for Design by Enrico Gobbi’, a renowned yacht design and architecture studio that rose from the waters of Venice back in 2005 – and boy, they did not disappoint. [To be continued...]

The Prince of Sharks

If you want to see what a truly extraordinary shipyard Rossinavi is, cut and paste Rossinavi Vellmari and then Rossinavi Taransay into your favourite search engine. Is that not amazing? Two vastly different yachts built by exactly the same craftsmen only two years apart. Not too surprising though, as the Viareggio shipyard, founded in 1980, is steeped in history - it knows its point of origin precisely, even where it planted the first nail into the first sheet of metal.

Shipyards like this are few and far between. Rossinavi does not shout about its creations. It doesn’t have to: if you know, you know and if you’re a genuine purveyor of the superyacht scene, then the no doubt you will recognize the 49-meter Polarisfrom the Prince Shark Series.

Custom-built without compromise, Polaris asserts what a cohesive team can create when given a virtually open brief. The 49-meter’s interior and exterior styling was handled by the ‘Design by Enrico Gobbi’ team with Arrabito Naval Architects honing the project’s engineering. Combined, you have a superyacht that hit a top speed of 24.3-knots during sea trials and can cruise at a 19-knot canter - pretty impressive for such a large and imposing vessel.

How heavy is she? Well, just like with a lady, it’s rude to ask a superyacht’s weight. All we’re going to say is that there’s nine tons of marble alone inside Polaris’sleek white superstructure, not that it’s that easy to spot, as when you enter the main salon, you’re greeted not by marble, but by smooth velvet, soft silk, supple leather, exotic woods, mirrored metals and sumptuous carpets. [To be continued...]